Kempston Calling January 2022, local news from your town

JANUARY 2022

East West Rail update by the Mayor of Bedford, Dave Hodgson

Rail link will give a multi-million pound boost to Bedford and the surrounding area IN a few months we will find out the Government’s chosen route for East West Rail.

One thing that is known is that it will go through Bedford, as the Government and the East West Rail Company previously announced this after their 2019 consultation.

I am fighting for the impact on local residents to be minimised: I and the Council are vigorously campaigning for EWR to stick to their original four-track plan to avoid any demolitions in the Poets area of Bedford and we have also called for impacts across the whole line to be minimised.

And it is essential that electric trains must operate from day one. We will make further representations once we know the route in the next consultation, which will take place next year.

ADDITIONAL LOCAL JOBS With these caveats aside, a new railway would give Bedford Borough a multimillion pound economic boost, create hundreds of additional local jobs, and link Bedford with other thriving economies.

Being well-connected is at the heart of our future success, and rail transport is at the EMR’s new Aurora fleet is currently being manufactured at Hitachi Rail’s UK factory in Newton Aycliffe. These new trains will be introduced in 2023 on their routes from London St Pancras to the East Midlands.

heart of tackling climate change.

Not only will a route via Bedford Station deliver a bigger economic benefit than a route bypassing Bedford to the south, but by stopping in Bedford itself, this important new infrastructure and the many work and leisure opportunities it brings will be more accessible for all residents across the Borough with unnecessary journeys minimised.

TRANSPORT HUB A route serving Bedford station will link us directly with other key economic centres, connect mainline rail routes including the Midland Mainline and enhance Bedford Station’s status as a hub – something the Government have failed to invest in since long-promised improvements were ‘postponed’ in 2010.

These improvements will also bring much-needed investment to the area around Bedford station itself. It would enable housing and commercial development in a brownfield urban area and reduce pressure for develop-

Continued on page 3

KEMPSTON CALLING

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TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com

Renhold man awaits sentencing after being found guilty of sexual assault

A YOUNG woman woke to find a man on top of her as she lay face down in her bed. She told a court how she managed to turn over and he left the room in his boxers and T-shirt, before returning moments later.

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The woman, who had spent the evening with him drinking in Bedford town centre, said: “He came back in and said are you alright and I said why did you do that?”

She said she ordered him to leave her home in Bedford and, after he had gone, she knocked on her parents’ bedroom door to tell them what had happened.

On Thursday, December 16, 2021, 25 year old James Stark from Green End, Renhold, Bedford was found not guilty by a jury of raping the woman, but found guilty instead of an alternative charge of assault by penetration.

Stark sobbed in the dock at Luton Crown Court after the jury had delivered the verdicts. Trial Judge Gary Lucie adjourned the sentencing until the January 28 for the preparation of reports and granted him bail until then.

He ordered that he be subject to an electronically monitored home curfew until his sentencing, when he will have to be at home between the hours of 7pm and 7am.

But before he left the court the judge told Stark “By granting you bail I am not giving you any indication of how you will be dealt with.”

The judge said the likelihood was that that he would receive a sentence of “immediate custody.”

Judge Lucie said when the case comes back to court he will also want to know why it took so long to come to the court.

The matters which the jury had to reach verdicts on took place in August 2017. Stark was on trial pleading not guilty to rape and an alternative charge of assault by penetration.

Opening the case to the jury,

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prosecutor Marion Smullen said they would have to decide what happened between Stark and the woman in the early hours of August 10, 2017.

She told the how the evening before, the young woman who was 21 at the time was out in Bedford catching up with friends and drinking in the bar, Esquires.

At the end of the night the court was told the woman and Stark caught a a taxi back to her parents home.

The court was told that in the early hours the pair were alone in the lounge of her home. On arrival back, she had changed into shorts and T-shirt and had supplied a duvet they could sit under as they watched TV and chatted and drank some alcohol.

Miss Smullen said eventually the woman decided to go upstairs to bed leaving the defendant downstairs on the sofa.

The jury was told she got into bed wearing her shorts, knickers and her T-shirt. As was her habit, said the prosecutor, she put on headphones to listen to music as she dozed off.

Giving evidence to the court, the woman said: “The next thing I know, I woke up and he (Stark) is on top of me in my bed. He was on top of me, inside me.” She said at the same time she could hear him breathing close to her ear.

The woman said she was able to turn over still feeling “sleepy and disorientated,” and the defendant then got off the bed and briefly left the room.

She said she noticed her knickers had been removed and were beside her on the bed.

Continuing her evidence, she went on: “He came in and he was like ‘Are you alright?’ I didn’t say anything and started crying, like weeping and I said ‘Why did you do that?’

“I was just in shock.”

She said the defendant was dressed in his boxers and T-shirt and she went on: “I kept saying just go, get the f… out.”

The woman said he left and she then went into her parents’ bedroom to tell her mother what had happened.

The court heard that Stark had

KNICKERS REMOVED

left behind his trousers, his hat, his mobile phone and passport at the victim’s house.

He was arrested later that morning back at his home.

Miss Smullen said that in a police interview the defendant answered no comment to questions put to him, but later in his defence case statement, he said there had been digital penetration with a finger of her vagina and it had happened with her consent.

The prosecutor told the jury it was because of what he was claiming, that there was the alternative charge to the rape allegation, of assault by penetration.

In the witness box Mr Stark told the court back at the woman’s home they had been drinking while watching TV. “She mentioned to me that she wanted to go upstairs. She indicated through her body language and the way she looked at me that I too should follow her.

She went upstairs and I followed her upstairs.” He said in her bedroom they “embraced” and he said she removed his hat.

Next, he said he took off his trousers and he removed her shorts as they got onto the bed where he said he took her knickers off.

His barrister Richard Reynolds asked him: “Did you have any doubts in your mind about what she wanted you to do?” He replied: “No.” The barrister asked him: “What did you think you were going to do?” Mr Stark replied: “Get intimate, sex or heavy petting, kissing.”

He said he lay next to her on the bed in a “spoon position” and put his hand between her legs and intimately touched her.

But, he told the jury, he began to have doubts “about what I was doing” and he said he stopped and left the room to go to the bathroom.

He said when he returned “she looked annoyed at me” and he said she told him to leave, eventually telling him to “Get the fuck out.”

He went on: “I panicked because I didn’t understand what was going on.”

Asked why he didn’t take with him his clothes and possessions he answered: “It was pure panic.

When she said get the f… out, I didn’t understand.”

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BEDFORD BOROUGH EDITION

JANUARY 2022 —

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Multi-million pound boost Mohammad Yasin MP Continued from page 1

ment on greenfield sites in the countryside.

Some residents are understandably concerned about the impact and we must be clear and not offer false hope – other routes have been rejected by the Government as the process has progressed over many, many years.

Problems with the old closed route include going through Priory Country Park, and Danish Camp.

And had a route south of Bedford been selected, the crucial Wixams station project was likely to have been killed off.

Removing the uncertainty of the EWR route has enabled progress to be made over the last year for the Wixams station to be delivered by 2024, before the developer’s contributions for building the station become out of time and kill off the project.

STATION QUARTER East West Rail will lead to a comprehensive redevelopment of Bedford Midland Station paid for by the government which also supports the regeneration of the Station area – building homes on brownfield sites.

This will run parallel to our huge success

in securing Towns Fund money, which includes over £5 million for Bedford Station Quarter project and £6 million for improvements to the Midland Road area as a gateway into Bedford. This is a once in a generation opportunity.

The Station Quarter regeneration will deliver new public spaces and improve the approach to the Station and promote and prioritise sustainable travel modes such as cycling and walking through the upgrade of cycle routes and walking routes.

The Midland Road regeneration will transform the key gateway from the railway station into the town centre.

This will be public realm improvements along the route to create a vibrant corridor and improve walking routes to and from Bedford Town Centre.

It will also provide investment in shop front improvements to make the area more attractive and accessible to residents, businesses and visitors.

Overall, the investment in rail connections to Bedford and the related transformation of the station area will be a huge boost for local residents, the local economy and jobs and the future of our Borough.

selected to stand again

MOHAMMAD Yasin MP has been unanimously reselected as Labour’s candidate for the next General Election. Members across the constituency and local community groups affiliated to the Labour Party were given the opportunity to either re-select Mohammad Yasin or hold a full selection to decide who will be Labour’s candidate at the next General Election.

Mohammad Yasin was supported unanimously to continue his excellent work which has been appreciated by residents across Bedford and Kempston.

Commenting on his re-selection Mohammad Yasin MP said: “I am very grateful to all the Labour members, Trade Unions, and other affiliates who have shown their full support. I remain committed to doing the best job I can for the residents of Bedford and Kempston regardless of their political views.

“We are one community and I will continue to engage with residents, raise issues in Parliament, and fight for the fairer society and better Bedford and Kempston we all deserve. Together we have been making progress on major projects such as bringing a new mental health hospital to Bedford but it’s important that we stay focussed and ensure that we get our towns the services we need.”

Chair of the Bedford and Kempston Labour Party Sam Blacklaws added: “The unanimous support highlights the fantastic work Mohammad Yasin has been doing both in Parliament and locally. He is always active, visible and accessible which helps the community either get the support they need or share their views with him. Yasin demonstrates the principles of honesty, integrity, and hard work.

“His Labour values are clear in his previous work to save the maternity and A&E units at Bedford hospital, and his current work to bring much needed mental health services to Bedford. We wish him the best of luck in the next General Election, and he will have the full support of the Bedford and Kempston Labour Party.”

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Cleanliness issues at Fusion facilities are again subject of complaint USERS of some leisure centres in Bedford are being faced with ‘dirty’ facilities, a meeting heard.

Bedford Borough Council’s portfolio holder for leisure and culture, councillor Doug McMurdo, was asked to comment on reports of unclean leisure facilities in the borough at the Full Council meeting on December 1.

Councillor Graeme Coombes (Conservative, Wilshamstead Ward) said that he is again receiving reports of dirty facilities at Fusion managed sites – in particular the swimming pools.

He said: “[There is] poor cleanliness in toilets and poor cleanliness in changing rooms, as well with all of the issues that we’ve had.

“We have many questions and conversations about Fusion over recent months and years.

“It seems unacceptable to me, particularly when we’re in the midst of Covid,” he said.

“Good hygiene, hand washing and cleanliness of facilities and making sure that they’re clean are extremely important.

“So would you like to comment?”

Councillor Doug McMurdo (Independent, Sharnbrook Ward) replied: “I am aware of some issues that have been raised directly with me and not through this channel in respect of Oasis, and that has been raised with the officers.

“Only this morning [Wednesday] they were doing site visits to address that and I will be updated tomorrow [Thursday] on their findings.

SOME ISSUES

Changing career lanes

by John Guinn – Local Democracy Reporter

“But I would urge you, and indeed any member colleagues, not to leave it to Full Council but bring it to my attention at the earliest point in order that we can address it.

“Poor cleanliness, tidiness, is not something that we want to tolerate,” he said.

Councillor Coombes said he is happy to raise these issues outside of Full Council.

He added: “The ones I refer to specifically are the pools, and I don’t think it’s something that can be brushed away.

“If we can’t do something as basic as just cleaning rooms and toilet facilities and things like that, what are Fusion doing?

“You say that you are going down to see them, would it not make more sense to do unannounced visits,” he asked.

Councillor McMurdo said: “Might I just remind you that we are actually talking about people and individuals actually providing and doing this cleaning.

“I don’t think this is the right forum to be having such a debate, so I will welcome you to talk to me about the specifics and we will address them in the right and proper fashion.”

He added that officers do carry out unannounced inspections, but the one carried out on Wednesday morning was “not in anticipation of this discussion” “I will get back to you in a very timely fashion.

“Because from what you’re describing that is contractually unacceptable in the current envi-

ronment, wholly unacceptable and I will see personally that that is remedied,” he said.

Councillor Coombes said he hadn’t expected this to be an antagonistic question and was merely raising an important issue.

“I do disagree with you, I think this is exactly the right forum to raise this issue.

“This is a council and we’re discussing public business and council facilities.

“So we’ll have to agree to disagree on that because for me this is exactly the right place to be raising these issues, but I thank you for your answer,” he said.

A spokesperson for Fusion Lifestyle said: “Fusion Lifestyle take cleanliness concerns seriously.

We have robust cleaning and hygiene practices in place in line with UK Active guidance cleaning protocols for Covid-19.

“We have recently invested in new cleaning machinery to ensure hygiene standards within our changing rooms are maintained.

Our cleaning regime is supplemented with regular deep cleaning schedules and, in addition to this cleaning stations and hand sanitisation stations are positioned at activity entry points throughout the centres.

“Fusion Lifestyle is committed to ensuring cleaning standards are adhered to on a daily basis to both minimise the risk of Covid-19 transmission and to ensure our customers find a friendly, safe environment at all our centres.”

DISAGREEMENT

Left to right: David Wilkins, Teddy, Kelly, Jo, Fradreck and Karen.

TWO Bedford College construction apprentices came top in their class in the regional divisions of the National Apprenticeships Awards 2021.

Kelly Durham-Flinter won the Advanced Apprentice of the Year. Kelly, of Bedford, now works for Bedford Borough Council and is moving into Environmental Engineering.

She was previously a quality control engineer at a ceramics manufacturer but always had an interest in civil engineering – more particularly bridge building.

When looking for an apprenticeship for her son, she realised she could be a mature apprentice, applied and is now heading towards a job she couldn’t have dreamed of when at school.

Jo Adkins, of Little Addington, Northants, won the regional Higher / Degree Apprentice of the Year.

She has been working for highways in Northants and is now doing the job she really wanted: Traffic Engineer – keeping the roads moving across the county.

“As an ‘ageing’ student trying to switch careers with no previous experience in the field I wanted, I was nervous. I wanted to repay the chance given to me by my family and the college and my employer.”

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Former Beds PC found to have committed gross misconduct

A PANEL has ruled that a former Bedfordshire Police officer who pursued an inappropriate relationship would have been dismissed from the force for gross misconduct had he not already resigned.

Former PC John Marshall left Bedfordshire Police in July 2020 after allegations around his conduct came to light, however under new regulations misconduct proceedings could still be brought against him.

The Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Professional Standards Department received a report that Mr Marshall had had a sexual relationship with a woman who he first met online, but later encountered while responding to a concern for welfare.

A thorough investigation found that not only had Mr Marshall pursed the relationship, he repeatedly failed to take action relating to further concerns for her welfare.

A one-day public hearing conducted virtually on Monday, December 6, 2021, ruled Mr Marshall – who chose not to attend the hearing – was found to have breached the Standards of Professional Behaviour for Discreditable Conduct, Integrity and Authority, Respect and Courtesy.

The chairman of the independent panel concluded that he would have faced instant dismissal for his actions.

Assistant Chief Constable Sharn Basra said: “The actions of Mr Marshall while he was a serving officer in my force are completely reprehensible – it is never okay to target vulnerable victims and his behaviour completely goes against the code of ethics we as officers are here to uphold.

“In force we are committed to tackling Male Violence Against Women and Girls and this includes the predatory nature of behaviour like Mr Marshall’s – our recently launched strategy clearly sets out our approach to improving internal practices to ensure no man who wears the police uniform would target and abuse a woman in this way, not least someone described as vulnerable.

“In addition, Mr Marshall’s actions showed flagrant disregard for the welfare of the individual in question and his failure to appropriately identify concerns and safeguard her could have ended in tragic and disastrous consequences.

“We took immediate action upon learning of the allegations surrounding Mr Marshall, and this resulted in his resignation from the force. However, as is our due process for dealing with misconduct matters, we continued a thorough investigation to ensure a full hearing was held and to ensure that Mr Marshall is placed on a barred list, which could prevent him working in similar roles in the future.”

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She had a message for other apprentices: “I hope students realise how fortunate they are, and that if they work hard they will succeed.”

Teddy Kye-Nyarko Head of Technical and Professional Training and Fradreck Mutezo, Training Co-ordinator were both congratulated by Vice Principal Karen Campbell and Director of Construction David Wilkins on their dedication in helping apprentices achieve so much during the challenges of lockdown.

Said David: “This shows how people can re-visit the career of their choice when they are older and that apprenticeships are a good route into high quality jobs – for everyone who makes the commitment.

“The construction industry is crying out for skilled and professional employees who can help with civil engineering contracts and we are here to bring both parties together.”

The Bedford College Group has a wide range of construction training facilities across Beds and Northants ranging from entry level full-time courses to apprentices for people aged 16 and over, higher diplomas and degrees.

Full details www.bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk

JANUARY 2022 —

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Raise funds for Sue Ryder by recycling your Christmas tree THE tradition of having a beautifully-decorated, twinkly Christmas tree in our homes is one that is deep-rooted and brings us plenty of joy. But the problem of what to do with a real tree once the festivities end is a common one.

To help solve it, a local hospice is branching out and encouraging residents to recycle their real trees

through its Christmas Treecycling service.

Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice’s green scheme will see Christmas trees that are no longer needed collected from people’s homes, chipped into mulch and recycled.

Not only that, but the initiative will raise vital funds so Sue Ryder can continue offering its compas-

sionate palliative care and bereavement support – and help people make every moment count this Christmas.

Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice in Moggerhanger will work in partnership with Just Helping to offer its Christmas Treecycling service, kindly supported by Brightman Brothers Tree Care and J & R Tree Services.

People who live in MK40, MK41, MK42, MK43, MK44, MK45, SG18 and SG19 postcodes will be able to have their Christmas trees collected from their homes between Saturday 8 and Monday January 10, 2022.

They can sign up at sueryder.org/stjohnstrees by Wednesday, January 5,2022.

A donation to Sue Ryder is welcomed in return for collecting the Christmas trees.

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The trees will then be chipped down into mulch by the teams at Brightman Brothers Tree Care and J & R Tree Services, and recycled by being spread over the hospice’s gardens to help plants and flowers thrive.

This means residents who choose to Treecycle will not only help to raise funds so the hospice can continue caring for local families, but will also reduce landfill and keep the hospice’s grounds looking beautiful for patients and loved ones to enjoy.

Joanne Landucci, Senior Community Fundraiser at Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice said: “Once all the fun and festivities are over, it’s difficult to know what to

do with our real Christmas trees.

We are really excited to announce our tree-mendous Christmas Treecycling service is a practical and green solution to this problem – and will also raise vital funds for our expert palliative care and bereavement support.

Each Christmas tree we collect and each donation that is made will help us to continue supporting people to make the most of the time they have left – and filling their last moments with love and care. A special thank you to the teams at Just Helping, Brightman Brothers Tree Care and J & R Tree Services for their wonderful support.”

Speaking on behalf of her husband Robin, from J & R Tree

Services, Chelsea Zwetsloot explained why they were inspired to get involved: “The teams at Brightman Brothers Tree Care and J & R Tree Services have a personal connection to Sue Ryder, and Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice especially.”

Chelsea added: “The teams are keen to encourage the recycling of Christmas trees, as they see the value of reusing tree chippings in their day-to-day jobs.

Find out more about Christmas Treecycling and book a collection at sueryder.org/stjohnstrees Contact the fundraising team at Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice with any queries on 01767 642 412 and stjohnsfundraising@ sueryder.org

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TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com

Commissioner welcomes Honouring the founders increase in funding for of Bedford Marianettes drug treatment BEDFORDSHIRE’S Police and Crime Commissioner, Festus Akinbusoye, has responded to the Government’s ten-year drugs plan to cut crime and save lives.

The Government has announced a record £780 million to rebuild the drug treatment system.

The new campaign against county lines networks is set to address both rehabilitation and clamp down on criminals who carry out half of all shop thefts, robberies and burglaries.

The Commissioner said, “In my view, this is one of the most ambitious plans to finally address some of the major causes of demand on police resources – ever! I’ve said this before, illicit drugs and alcohol addiction are huge problems.

“The prevalence of drugs and alcohol in incidents that require police attention is phenomenal. Be it domestic abuse, serious violence, burglaries, murders etc. drugs and alcohol play a huge part. While it is crucial to enforce against the suppliers of illegal drugs for example, this alone will not work!

“We must be relentless in helping people break their dependence on these substances. The cost of not doing so has been well quantified by Dame Black in her excellent report which is why I greatly welcome this change in narrative and focus by the Government.”

The strategy also sets out a £300 million investment to: n dismantle more than 2,000 county lines gangs n put up to £145m into the County Lines Programme to target road and rail networks used by gangs n carry out 6,400 disruptions against organised criminal activity The Association of the Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC), will look at opportunities to incentivise the whole policing system to focus on drugs, including the national policing framework, the strategic policing requirement, engagement with

DRUGS AND ALCOHOL

Police and Crime Commissioners, the inspection framework, and training and professional practice.

The Commissioner added, “I will continue to work closely with my national PCC colleagues to help to cut drug-related crime, anti-social behaviour and noncrime demands on policing. These are some of the primary concerns of our communities and will help to protect the most vulnerable.

“I will continue to provide the latest information, insights and guidance to partners and ensure that Bedfordshire is a key contributor to national programmes and partnerships.”

If you would like more information or to contact the office please email: pcc@bedfordshire.pnn. police.uk

Founded in 1960, Bedford Marianettes, are an amateur theatre society, and for over six decades, the company has produced many memorable musical shows and concerts. The founders and producers of Bedford Marianettes were Eric and Joan Pates who, through their boundless enthusiasm and their tireless dedication to musical theatre, gave

entertainment and enjoyment to many. The Marianettes belatedly celebrated their 60th anniversary during the last weekend of November and to pay recognition to Eric and Joan’s contribution to musical theatre in Bedford, a commemorative plaque was unveiled at Bedford Corn Exchange on Friday, November 26, 2021.

Nearly £6m investment in Bedford Hospital’s outpatient provision THE government has announced that the country’s hospitals will benefit from a share of a £700m investment.

The money will be spent expanding wards, installing modular operating theatres, upgrading outpatient spaces, MRI and screening technologies,

to help reduce waiting lists.

Part of the £5.9m will be spent at Bedford Hospital creating 20 flexible multi-purpose outpatient rooms.

Richard Fuller, MP for North East Bedfordshire, said: “I welcome the additional funding of £5.9 million for Bedford Hospital

as part of the £700m investment in hospitals this winter.

“With the roll-out and acceleration of COVID-19 boosters alongside the largest flu vaccine programme in UK history, we are doing more than ever to support people to stay well this winter.”

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JANUARY 2022 —

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7

Beating international competition

hosted by Harold Tillman CBE, Enterprise and Business Advisor at the London College of Fashion and César Araújo, CEO of Calvelex, President of Portugal’s National

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Association of Clothing and Apparel Industry and PCIAW® Board Director.

A panel of expert judges said they “had a difficult task choosing an overall winner from our group of fantastic finalists, but there was definitely one clear winner.”

Bedford Colleges Jasmine Young, won her category for designing a wonderfully creative Aerospace Engineer garment. She was awarded a diamond trophy, custom winner’s certificate, and a £1000 cheque.

Inspirational teacher Elisa Bratton now runs the Higher Education degree-level learning fashion groups at Bedford College where students, who are already ahead of university candidates, can keep up front on the catwalks of the future.

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High St

FOR the fourth year running, Bedford College students have beaten international competition to take first prize at the Professional Clothing Awards.

This year Jasmine Young, of Shefford, took the £1,000 winner’s cheque with HND Fashion & Textile classmates Laura Byron and Shania Forney being Highly Commended.

Their designs beat entries from all over the world such as the North Carolina State University, De Montfort University, and Faculdade de Arquitetura da Universidade de Lisboa!

Jasmine Young’s showcased an Aerospace Engineer design Laura Bryson’s unveiled a Coast Guard design Shania Fourmy’s submitted Arc Flash PPE design All were proudly displayed in a stylish, star-studded catwalk during the twelfth annual PCIAW® Awards hosted at the Hilton London Metropole on 3rd November 2021.

The prestigious PCA VISION Student Design competition was

KEMPSTON TOWN COUNCIL KNOW YOUR TOWN COUNCILLOR Kempston North

Kempston Central and East

Sam Blacklaws

Ali Akbor

c/o 104 Bedford Road, Kempston MK42 8BG sgblacklaws@gmail.com 07513 705791

c/o 104 Bedford Road, Kempston MK42 8BG aakbor@hotmail.com

Sue Oliver

Kay Burley

4 Loveridge Avenue, Kempston MK42 8SD sue.oliver@bedford.gov.uk 303029

7 Westdale Walk, Kempston MK42 8NX gordoncolling@btinternet.com 843805

Kempston South

Shaun Bowman 5 Harrier Way, Kempston MK42 7TY shaun-bowman@virginmedia.com 07905 780603

Carl Meader 39 Highfield Road, Kempston MK42 7JH carl.meader@bedford.gov.uk 857621 or 07557 800156 Kempston West

Steve Conway c/o 104 Bedford Road, Kempston MK42 8BG steve@steveconway.net 07592 483336

Another year gone – well that’s it for 2021!

What a year it was for all of us. The ‘ups and downs’ have tested everyone. Some have coped better than others but hopefully we’ve all tried to help each other. So with the festive food and drink devoured and decorations stored away for another year we are all wondering what lies ahead – who knows?

So sorry!

KTC apologises to everyone as it was very sad that the Kempston ‘lights switch on’ event had to be cancelled.

Unfortunately the forecast was for extremely bad weather conditions on the day. Under the circumstances it would have been very irresponsible, on safety grounds, to allow it to go ahead. Many people had put a lot of work into the preparations, for which they deserve our thanks! Hopefully there were not too many disappointed people at not seeing Father Christmas and that it was all put right on Christmas Day! Let us all make a date to try again next Christmas.

Despite the lack of stalls and music etc Cllr. Carl Meader (Mayor of Kempston) managed to make sure that the lights went on!

Fiorentino Manocchio 32 Hartwell Drive, Kempston MK42 8UY fiore.manocchio@gmail.com 07818 426266

Mohammed Masud 46 Henderson Way, Kempston MK42 8NP cllrmasud@bedford.gov.uk 07974 276944

Mohammed Nawaz c/o 104 Bedford Road, Kempston MK42 8BG mn4bedford@gmail.com 07786 160607

Ross Purves

Terri Conway

c/o 104 Bedford Road, Kempston MK42 8BG rmpkempston@gmail.com 07732 969871

c/o 104 Bedford Road, Kempston MK42 8BG terri@steveconway.net 07592 483336

MAYOR AND DEPUTY: Cllrs Meader and Blacklaws

All of us at Kempston Town Council hope that you have managed to enjoy Christmas and the New Year as much as possible in these difficult times.

The most important thing is to remember to keep yourself and others safe from Covid 19 infection. ‘Hands, Face and Space’ still apply.

6.30pm Tuesday, January 11 – Planning 7.30pm – Town Council

FUTURE MEETINGS

Contact arrangements Depending on the circumstances surrounding ‘working from home’ the KTC office may or may not be open to the public. However contact will be possible via the telephone during office hours.

All future meetings will be held in Centenary Hall until further notice

KEMPSTON CALLING

104 Bedford Road, Kempston, Bedford, MK42 8BG Tel: 01234 851005 www.kempston-tc.gov.uk Email: clerk@kempston-tc.gov.uk Office hours: 10am to 3pm Monday to Friday

8

— JANUARY 2022

TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com

In Focus with

View from the Rt Revd

Yasin

Richard Atkinson

MP for Bedford and Kempston

The Bishop of Bedford

MIRACLE OF THE ‘JAB’

NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS

Christmas has always been a time to celebrate and come together with our family and friends, so to be looking at our second year where a new Covid-19 variant has put this in doubt is distressing.

Most of us have taken matters into our own hands and modified our behaviour, cancelling unnecessary social contact.

As we await any guidance from the Government on social interaction, I know many of us are using all the tools at our disposal to keep ourselves, our loved ones and our communities safe.

The significant difference from last year is the miracle of the vaccines and the widely available, free testing kits.

Combining use of these just before meeting people outside our household with careful use of face coverings, hand washing and ventilation gives us an effective defence against infection spread. Those at highest risk, such as the immunocompromised, will also be able to access life-saving antiviral and antibody treatments at home after receiving a positive PCR test.

These are the reasons to be optimistic because there are now ways to meet our loved ones safely.

But, Omicron does not mean we can carry on without taking these and most likely stronger precautionary measures. The Prime Minister is gambling on the variant only resulting in mild disease. There are some signs this “might” be the case, but by the time we know for certain, it will be too late to save lives if it’s not.

Even if infections prove to be mild for most, the sheer speed and scale of infection rates, means it could still overwhelm our already struggling NHS. And of course, if hospitals are treating a surge of Omicron patients, it means other services will be disrupted and the colossal backlog will continue to grow.

The ongoing pandemic has been awful for everybody. And it’s difficult for all of us to face the prospect of making alternative plans.

But too many families have lost loved ones this year.

So, let’s be kinder to each other, take precautions and give ourselves the best chance to be together with loved ones this Christmas. Wherever you are and however you’re celebrating stay safe, have a very merry Christmas and I look forward to seeing you in the New Year.

Have you like me added a stone to a cairn on a mountain path.

Playing our part in renewing and enlarging those key markers that keep us on track, especially when visibility declines.

Each individual stone small and insignificant, but together creating something substantive.

If I am honest, I am not a great one for New Year’s Resolutions.

There are several reasons for this, but one is the experience of setting goals for the new year and then immediately failing. Usually this happens because the resolution is too ambitious – I know I ought to take a walk each day but realistically once a week would be a good achievement.

I should pray more often, but inevitably other things take precedence. Setting the higher target just brings failure and the temptation to give up completely.

It is possible to create a boulder by manhandling one huge rock into place. It is easier to do it stone by stone.

The disciple Peter in the New Testament is an impulsive man. It is Peter who walks on the water, before sinking beneath the waves.

It is Peter who recognises Jesus as the Messiah and then can’t accept that he will suffer and die.

It is Peter who attests that he will never fall away from following Jesus and then very quickly afterwards denies him three times. He makes big resolutions and inevitably fails.

Arguably our world will be changed not by the few great leaders who have the influence to make truly radical changes.

Rather it will be the many – you and I included – who make the difference by our small acts of love and goodness. Like building the cairn, each one gradually increasing its impact.

Let us make our resolutions. A new year is a good time to refocus our priorities and set our ambitions.

Not just for ourselves but for the well-being of our world.

Resolutions that are modest but achievable, visionary but realistic.

So that together we bring change for the good.

I am amused by this quotation: ‘My new year’s resolution is to stop procrastinating. But I’ll wait until tomorrow to start!’. On the contrary don’t just make the resolutions, start today!

In Focus with

Dave

by Dave Hodgson Mayor of Bedford

HAPPY NEW YEAR AND RIVER FESTIVAL 2022

2021 was a difficult year with COVID-19 dominating and various restrictions and Lockdowns taking place throughout the year.

Sadly 2022 hasn’t got off to a much better start with the Omicron variant arriving in the UK in December.

I would like to thank everyone across Bedford Borough for following the restrictions and protecting themselves, their family, friends and each other.

We will need to continue this for a bit longer yet.

I would also like to thank everyone who has had their COVID vaccinations and booster. Being vaccinated doesn’t just help you but helps everyone in our communities.

If you haven’t had the vaccination or booster yet, you can find out more information including where you can receive the vaccination or booster at https://www.blmkccg.nhs.uk/covid-19/.

Not everything is doom or gloom though, during December we saw lots of festive fun across the Borough.

We have three weekends of activities in Bedford town centre and many of our villages held Christmas Fairs and Christmas Light switch-on events.

Bedford High Street has now re-opened to traffic and is looking much nicer and is more accessible to pedestrians.

We have seen new shops and businesses open in Bedford town centre including a new B&M in the old Marks and Spencer store and Foxy Wings open in Riverside.

We should see even more new additions to the town centre this year.

We will also welcome back the River Festival this summer, on 23rd and 24th July. Keep an eye on the River Festival website at https://riverfestival.bedford.gov.uk for the latest information.

There are still a number of sponsorship and trader opportunities available as well as the chance to participate in a number of events.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

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JOIN US FOR OUR OPEN DAY Thursday 3 February 2022, 6.00pm–8.00pm Location: Green Lane, Wixams MK42 6BA Register now for our Open Day by visiting: www.wixamsacademy.co.uk/opendays COME ALONG AND: • Explore our many extra-curricular opportunities, such as drama and sports • Have a walk through our wonderful modern building • Meet our committed teaching and support staff • Find out more about our highly aspirational and supportive ethos Applications to be made directly through www.wixamsacademy.co.uk/sixth-form

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Competing world-wide

Left to right: César Araújo, Model wearing Aerospace Engineer garment, Jasmine Young and Harold Tillman CBE.

FOR the fourth year running, Bedford College students have beaten international competition to take first prize at the Professional Clothing Awards.

This year Jasmine Young, of Shefford, took the £1,000 winner’s cheque with HND Fashion & Textile classmates Laura Byron and Shania Forney being Highly Commended.

Their designs beat entries from all over the world such as the North Carolina State University, De Montfort University, and Faculdade de Arquitetura da Universidade de Lisboa!

Jasmine Young’s showcased an Aerospace Engineer design Laura Bryson’s unveiled a Coast Guard design

Shania Fourmy’s submitted Arc Flash PPE design All were proudly displayed in a stylish, star-studded catwalk during the twelfth annual PCIAW® Awards hosted at the Hilton London Metropole on November 3, 2021.

The prestigious PCA VISION Student Design competition was hosted by Harold Tillman CBE, Enterprise and Business Advisor at the London College of Fashion and César Araújo, CEO of Calvelex, President of Portugal’s National Association of Clothing and Apparel Industry and PCIAW® Board Director.

A panel of expert judges said they “had a difficult task choosing an overall winner from our group of fantastic finalists, but there was

definitely one clear winner.”

Bedford Colleges Jasmine Young, won her category for designing a wonderfully creative Aerospace Engineer garment. She was awarded a diamond trophy, custom winner’s certificate, and a £1000 cheque.

Inspirational teacher Elisa Bratton now runs the Higher Education degree-level learning fashion groups at Bedford College where students, who are already ahead of university candidates, can keep up front on the catwalks of the future.

Want to progress on to a degree without leaving home whilst still getting the best education possible, visit www.bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk

9

£9m upgrade will make college building a towering vision for town

THE 1950s Tower Block at the Cauldwell Street campus of Bedford College is to undergo a £9 Million upgrade, if plans are approved.

The dated blue and orange-squared six-storey building, which dates back to the days when it was known as Mander College, will be remodelled and re-cladded with upgraded access and energy sustainability suitable for the 21st century.

A detailed planning application is to be made before the end of the year, and as part of that process a public consultation day, where people can view plans is being held at Bedford College from 3pm-7pm on Tuesday, December 7.

Subject to permission, the work will start in the summer of 2022 and finish during 2023.

Ian Pryce CBE, who will be celebrating his 25th anniversary as CEO of what is now The Bedford College Group in December 2023 said: “This building dates back to the earliest days of the joint Bedford College of Further and Higher Education.

“We have gone full circle now and The Bedford College Group is an establishment where people of all ages can sign up to further qualifications or obtain a full degree.”

The rest of the Cauldwell Street campus has been

25TH ANNIVERSARY

refurbished over recent years – combining the high tech of the Advanced Engineering and Modern Methods of Construction buildings with the Stansfeld building on St Mary’s Street which complements the old College House, said to be the oldest brick building in Bedford.

High standards of design have combined with the latest building techniques to ensure the site is an asset to the town and is already well on the way to achieve the Group’s target of reaching net carbon zero by 2030.

“Thousands of people, we think at least one in ten of every person in Bedford Borough has completed a course of some sort at Mander or Bedford College over the years and we would very much welcome their feedback on this long over-due refurbishment of the tower block.

“It has been my very great privilege to have been CEO of this college, I have always said I have the ‘Best job in Bedford’ and to see the tower block turned into a shining citadel of learning will be a message to the community that the very best education is right here in the heart of town.”

The Bedford College Group was voted the Best FE College in the UK 2020 and has attracted millions of pounds of Government investment to the area.

ONE IN TEN

BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN

10

— JANUARY 2022

TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com

Celebrating National Tree Week in Bedford Borough Last month saw National Tree Week and Bedford Borough Council planted some very special trees to mark the occasion, just some of the over 10,000 trees to be planted in Bedford Borough this tree planting season.

In Jubilee Park, 12 UK-grown Japanese cherry trees or Sakura in Japanese- were planted during National Tree Week. 6,500 Japanese cherry trees are being given to the UK from the JapanBritish Society and are being planted across the country in parks, gardens and schools to celebrate Japan’s relationship with the UK. The Mayor, the LordLieutenant, and the High Sheriff welcomed a delegate from the

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Sakura project for the ceremony.

Alongside the Council and the High Sheriff, community groups in Queens Park planted 45 trees near Queens Walk, the footpath that connects the town centre, Queens Park and Great Denham as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy.

The final tree in an avenue of lime trees on Goldington Green was also planted during National Tree Week.

Mayor Dave Hodgson said: “Across this year’s planting season, over 10,000 trees will be planted across Bedford Borough in partnership with volunteer groups, residents, charities, the Forestry Commission and the Forest of Marston Vale.

“It was great to be able to take part in the Sakura planting in Jubilee Park, bringing these beautiful trees to our Borough.

Alongside our usual planting programme, we have successfully bid for national funding, and are taking part in projects to celebrate the Queen’s Green Canopy that will see at least one tree planted in every ward.

“Trees play an important role in tackling climate change, and are great for our health and wellbeing as well as making our streets look beautiful.”

National Tree Week ran from 27 November to 5 December, and is the UK’s largest annual tree celebration, organised by the Tree Council.

Wishing you all a Happy New Year

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11

Inquest into death of University welcomes three new VCs man found hanging in cell at Bedford prison A PRISONER on remand at Bedford jail accused of attempting to murder his wife was found hanging in his cell, an inquest heard.

Ezra Tamiem, 39, who had never been in custody, was under the care of the prison’s mental health team because he was considered to be a risk to himself.

The hearing before a jury at Ampthill was told the father of two from Wyboston in Bedfordshire had been remanded in custody at Bedford prison on May 4, 2020.

Bedfordshire’s Assistant Coroner Dr Sean Cummings said on his admission: “Staff said he was disorientated and confused and was struggling to answer simple questions.”

He was placed on the Assessment, Care in Custody and Teamwork process that aim to support people at risk of self-harm.

He was placed on constant watch as he was considered a suicide risk and on May 6, 2020 he was moved onto the healthcare in-patient unit.

Dr Cummings said Ezra Tamiem was prescribed medication and his condition improved, but he was placed on constant suicide watch again on June 12, after a visible ligature mark was seen on his neck.

The constant watch ended three days later. He was found dead at ten to eight in the morning on 15th July last year when a nurse came to give

SELF HARM

him his medication.

The coroner said one of the main issues in the inquest was “could his death have been reasonably prevented?”

The inquest, which is due to last four days, is due to hear what checks staff made on him during the night.

In a statement read to the court by her lawyer, his wife Clare Tamiem said they had a “good solid marriage for many years.”

But she said her husband began to drink and became more controlling. She said she could not cope with his behaviour and wanted a divorce.

He had begged for a chance to change but, on May 1, last year, they agreed she would leave the family home with the children.

She was in her bedroom when he came “screaming and coming at her with a knife.”

“He stabbed me as if he were possessed. I was confused by his erratic and out of character behaviour,” she said.

Mrs Tamiem said when she heard of his death she was “absolutely devastated.”

She said: “He had never been convicted. It was his first period in custody. His daughters have lost their father. He could have been a loving father to them in the longer term.”

A post mortem examination found the cause of death to be asphyxia due to hanging.

THE University of Bedfordshire has welcomed three new Pro Vice Chancellors (PVCs) this academic term to lead the areas of Education & Student Experience, International and Research & Innovation.

The new PVCs and core members of the Vice Chancellor’s Executive Group are Dr Julie Brunton, Adrian Dutch and Professor Andrew Church.

Professor Rebecca Bunting, Vice Chancellor, commented: “I am so pleased to announce the successful Pro Vice Chancellor appointments here at the University of Bedfordshire. The passion, the energy and the ambition our new team now has are crucial characteristics for what we want to achieve as a successful institution, and I very much look forward to seeing how our plans for the areas of Education & Student Experience, International and Research & Innovation progress.”

Stepping into the role of PVC for Education & Student Experience, Dr Julie Brunton joined Bedfordshire from Sheffield Hallam University where she was Associate Dean of Teaching, Learning and the wider Student Experience.

In her new role Dr Brunton will be working to develop and implement the Education and Student Experience Strategy, aligned to improve student satisfaction, retention, attainment and graduate outcomes. She will also be responsible for overseeing the University’s academic partnerships in the UK. She said: “The University of Bedfordshire is a very inspiring

place to work – staff are working so hard to make the student experience the best they can and that is exciting to be part of.

“I had an excellent time while at university myself and know the benefits and enjoyment that it can bring. The diverse student body now has a wide range of needs and preferences for achieving a high quality student experience. My aim is to develop Bedfordshire’s student offer to achieve this high quality experience.”

Adrian Dutch joined the University as PVC for International. He entered the education sector over ten years ago at City University London, where he founded their International Office, and he has held positions including Head of Marketing, Head of Student Recruitment and Director of International.

Dutch hopes to use his experience to build on the already successful international strategy in place at the University and plans to attract more international students

to the facilities and courses available at the Bedford campus. He said: “International is one of the success stories here at Bedfordshire, with the International Office and the Centre for Academic Partnerships doing a tremendous job in building our profile and recruiting significant numbers of international students over the last few years.

“We plan to build on that success, increasing the diversity of the countries our students come from, the diversity of courses they choose to study, and also diversifying the income streams that generate revenue for investment in the University, such as Summer Schools, Study Abroad, TNE and overseas partnerships.”

Professor Andrew Church has taken on the new role of PVC for Research & Innovation, joining Bedfordshire after spending twenty years at the University of Brighton where he was most recently the Associate PVC for Research and

BUILDING ON SUCCESS

Enterprise.

Professor Church is an active researcher himself, publishing papers, supervising PhD students and securing research funding, and is currently part of an interdisciplinary team funded by the Economic and Social Research Council and the Global Challenges Research Fund, conducting research on sanitation in off grid communities in Nepal, Ethiopia, Ghana and India.

Professor Church says that the positive impact that research can have on the world is part of his motivation for this new role. He said: “Covid-19 has shown just how important university research, including work at Bedfordshire, is to the health and well-being of societies around the world. New knowledge generated by universities is fundamental to promoting fairness and justice, stimulating economies and tackling environmental degradation including biodiversity loss and climate change.

Bedford Borough Sports Awards winners!

BEDFORD Borough Council has announced the winners of this year’s Bedford Borough Sport and Physical Activity Awards.

With an incredible array and quality of nominations this year, the panel decided to award four ‘Special Commendations’, reflecting how close the final scores were in several categories.

Sarah Bullimore won ‘Adult Personality of the Year’ for her achievements in equestrian eventing, including a bronze medal at the

European Eventing Championships earlier this year.

In the ‘Junior Personality of the Year’ award, Etienne Maughan was successful with her accomplishments in athletics. She is ranked 2nd in the UK in the under 17s 80m hurdles, and 4th in the UK in the under 17s 100m. Special Commendation went to Gracie Wall, following her outstanding performance in the under 17s high jump despite injury.

This year’s ‘Unsung Hero’ is Paula Bailey for her work with the

WITH YOU WHEN IT MATTERS MOST

Modernian Swimming Club until her untimely death in February 2021.

She passionately wanted to give back her time to the club that both her children swam with, and supported the club with many unseen hours behind the scenes.

Special Commendation in the ‘Unsung Hero’ category went to Baz and Paula Townsend, who have given their time and expertise to Bedford Blues for over 20 years in an entirely voluntary capacity. Their work maintaining the ground and making sure fans and spectators have the best experience on match days is so valued by players, staff, directors and fans of the Blues.

The full list of Sport and Physical Activity Awards winners this year is: Adult Personality of the Year 2021 Winner – Sarah Bullimore – Eventing, Equestrian Junior Personality of the Year 2021

Winner – Etienne Maughan – Athletics Special Commendation – Gracie Wall – Athletics, High Jump Disability Sports Personality of the Year 2021 Adult Winner – Dermot Bailey – Wheelchair Tennis Special Commendation - Manjit Singh Kali-Rai – Walking Hockey Junior Winner - Varun Bandi – Wheelchair Racing Club of the Year 2021 Winner – Riverside Tennis Club Community Club / Group of the Year 2021 Winner – No Barriers – Tennis Special Commendation - Canoe Trail Crew – Multi Sports Primary School of the Year 2021 Winner – Westfield Primary School Team of the Year 2021 Winner – Bedford Hockey Club, Women’s Over 35 Squad Coach of the Year 2021 Winner – Richard Harpham – Multi Sports Unsung Hero 2021 Winner – Paula Bailey – Swimming

Special Commendation Hero – Baz and Paula Townsend – Rugby Union Service to Sport 2021 Winner – Mike Carter - Kayaking Cllr Doug McMurdo, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture said “The Sports and Physical Activity Awards, supported by a range of local companies, recognise and celebrate the contribution of individuals, clubs and coaches to sports and physical activity locally. I personally want

to thank them all for their much valued contributions and participation – thank you!

“These Awards really do demonstrate the incredible sporting prowess we have locally, along with the commitment and work of coaches, clubs, schools and volunteers to help our athletes be their best.

Sport can create such an incredible community spirit, which is so important in these challenging times.”

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JANUARY is famous for New Year’s resolutions. There’s something so motivating about pressing the ‘reset’ button and starting a new year with a fresh set of goals – a brand-new year for a brand-new you. And this year that feeling’s likely to be stronger than ever, as we emerge from the worst of the pandemic.

For many of us, becoming slimmer, fitter and healthier will be at the top of the list of our New Year’s resolutions for 2022.

Spending so much time indoors, often coupled with more indulgent food choices and disrupted routines, saw many healthy habits fall by the wayside during the pandemic – and then Christmas rounded it off! And let’s not forget, getting into great shape is the very best thing that we can do for our long-term health.

If you’re ready to make 2022 the year that you take control, lose weight, get fitter and gain confidence, read on. Here are seven secrets of success – all backed up by the latest research into weight loss and behaviour change, from local weight loss expert Susan Phillips from Slimming World.

TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com

A ‘new you’ for ‘22 4. Set a goal It’s hard to achieve a goal if you don’t set it out clearly in the first place! And when you’re thinking about your dream weight, don’t be afraid to be ambitious. Research from Slimming World shows that slimmers who set ambitious targets lose twice as much weight as those who try to be ‘realistic’. Shoot for the moon – you never know where you might land! Susan says: ‘As well as setting an overall weight loss target, all my members set a mini goal every week – whether it’s to lose weight, to get more active, to plan ahead or to try something new – making that commitment to a goal definitely helps them achieve more.’

1. Don’t go hungry To lose weight you have to eat less, right? Well, no! What you’re eating is much more important than how much. Swapping high calorie, unsatisfying foods (think chocolate, alcohol, pastries) for foods that are lower in calories and more bulky, so they fill you up for longer, is key to losing weight in a way that’s easy to live with. Research shows that by basing your diet on low energy dense foods, like fruit and veg, and foods that are most filling – or satiating – like lean meat, fish, eggs, pasta and potatoes, you can actually eat a larger amount of food and feel more satisfied while losing weight.

“We might think we need to be overly strict with ourselves when we’re losing weight – counting and measuring all our food and reducing portion sizes right down – but this type of restrictive approach ultimately leaves us feeling more hungry and deprived,” says Dr Jacquie Lavin, Slimming World’s Head of Research.

Some quick and easy changes include using less fat when you cook, so you boil or athlete to get active – just making a commitment to moving more all adds up. dry fry instead of frying in oil, swapping full Many people make the mistake of joining a fat dairy products for low fat or fat free, gym, overdoing it in week one and quickly ditching sugary drinks in favour of low giving up, thinking ‘exercise isn’t for me’. calorie drinks and adding more fruit and Finding an enjoyable, achievable, and veg to your daily meals. sustainable way of building new active ‘My members find that by making habits into your routine is key – anything simple changes to their shopping and that gets you moving more, from heavy cooking, which we talk about in our group gardening or vigorous housework to brisk every week, they lose weight without walking, dancing, cycling, or playing frisbee feeling hungry,’ says Slimming World in the park, counts. What’s most important manager Susan. is making it a regular habit – as natural to your day as brushing your teeth. Susan 2. It’s OK to walk before says: ‘In our local group we encourage each you run! other to get more active, and we’ve got a If it’s your goal to get fitter, remember new set of 50 online videos for members so you don’t have to become a professional they can easily get started at home.’

5. Don’t opt for a quick fix

3. Be kind to yourself We all start January with great intentions, but it’s all too easy to go off track.

It’s what you do next that matters most – and the most important thing is not to beat yourself up about it. A Slimming World survey of 1,700 slimmers showed that when they did have a slip up, being selfcritical was more likely to lead to comfort eating and giving up completely, whereas when they were kinder to be kind to themselves (imagine how you’d talk to a friend who’s had a setback), they more quickly got back to healthy eating, lost weight and they kept it off.

So, cut yourself some slack!

It’s no secret that many people find losing weight far easier than keeping it off long-term.

To avoid becoming trapped in a yo-yo diet cycle, it’s important to approach weight loss as a permanent change to your lifestyle – and focus on developing new healthy habits that are sustainable for life, as well as getting support to make those changes.

Dr Jacquie Lavin, Slimming World’s Head of Research, says: ‘A group support approach is tried and tested – research shows that the more groups Slimming World members attend, the more successful they are. Based on their weightloss over a year, the top 10,000 slimmer’s who attended their weekly weight-loss group regularly lost 30% of their body weight – around five stone each. In our groups, members are equipped with all the tools they need to stay slim for life, so that they can be confident that the changes they’re making are sustainable forever.’

6. Strike a balance An all-or-nothing approach is rarely effective when it comes to weight loss.

Restricting yourself when it comes to food and drink might work in the short-term, but

pretty soon you’ll be fed up, hungry and giving up completely.

A little bit of what you fancy is key!

That might be a Saturday night glass of wine or a bit of chocolate in the evenings.

Whatever it is for you, having a flexible approach and a balanced mindset is much more likely to deliver long-term success.

7. You don’t have to go it alone The principles of losing weight are quite simple, yet if it was that easy – we’d all be doing it! Studies show that embarking on your weight loss journey alongside other slimmers brings more success than going it alone – sharing the ups and down, having cheerleaders who are on your side, and sharing advice and tips.

And not only that – recent research revealed that people who are supported to lose weight in a group increase their mental toughness – developing more control, embracing challenges and growing in confidence – more than those who choose to lose weight on their own - and go on to lose more weight than those who don’t have the support of a Slimming World group.

Dr Jacquie Lavin says: “The power of the group and the peer support members give one another is what sets Slimming World apart.

“Our members become part of a community, something special, which helps them to realise that they are not alone in the challenges they face.

“That’s combined with our personalised approach – called IMAGE Therapy – which helps every member discover more about themselves as a slimmer, identify their own pitfalls and danger zones, and create practical plans to overcome them.”

To find out more about Slimming World and how to join, visit slimmingworld.co.uk, call Susan, the Team Manager for Bedford on 07717 870513.

BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN

JANUARY 2022 —

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Diary ‘Music on Thursdays’ Concert Season. January 20, a concert of classical Indian ragas by a true master of the sitar: Mehboob Nadeem.

February 24, a recital of songs by Vaughan Williams, Rachmaninov, Brahms and Schubert by the Russian-British baritone Theodore Platt who joins us from his day job at the Bavarian State Opera.

March 24, a programme of trios by Haydn and Beethoven, together with a recent work they commissioned from local composer Cherlyl Frances-Hoad.

The Season concludes on April 28 with a brilliant young quintet, Connaught Brass, who took first prize in the inaugural Philip Jones International Brass Competition in 2019. Contact: www.bedfordmusicclub.co.uk

Bedford Music Club:

Kempston Senior Citizens Club:

DANCING, WHIST, BINGO. Meets Wednesday 10am-12noon Friday 10am-4.00pm, CENTENARY HALL, behind Kempston Town Hall, for further information contact: Sheila Cobban, on 01234 347306.

Friday January 7, 7.15 for 7.30 start, Putnoe Heights Church, Bedford MK418EB. Bedford born artist Oliver Winconek has painted many well known actors and members of society. He will demonstrate painting a portrait in oils and acrylics at our first actual meeting of the year. Entry is free for members, £5 for visitors.

Contact: Jean Paterson 01234 307210 or www.bedsartsociety.co.uk for information.

Bedford Art Society:

Yoga: Priory Methodist Church,

Newnham Avenue, Bedford MK41 9QJ. 2pm Mondays Contact: June for details: juandhannigan@yahoo.co.uk

Sandy Women’s Institute: Meets on the third

Tuesday of every month (except August) at Sandy Conservative Club, Bedford Road, Sandy. New members are always very welcome. Visitors are charged a small fee of £4.

January 18, Jane Kennedy will be teaching us the basics of British Sign Language. For further information contact: Ann Patterson 01767 680644.

Bedford Folk & Acoustic Club: Acoustic and folk music

round-the-room, every Thursday evening from 8:30pm at the Bowls Pavilion of Kempston Hammers Club, MK42 7BN. Musicians, singers and poets all welcome, at every level. Contact: us on facebook, or come and meet us at the Bowls Pavilion.

Bedfordshire Family History Society: Monthly

meetings in the Drama Hall of Mark Rutherford School, Wentworth Drive, Bedford, MK41 8PX on Friday, January 7 and our talk will be The Brooks Family of Flitwick Manor by Richard Morgan. Doors open at 7.00 p.m. for a 7.30 p.m. start. Members Free, Visitors £1. Contact:

Bedford RSPB local group: ARA club, Manton Lane

BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN

Bedford MK41 7PF. Thursday, January 20. Meeting 7.30pm. Wilf Powell - “Jewels in the Air”. Wilf, previously Chairman of the Bedfordshire Natural History Society, will describe aspects of the biology and behaviour of hummingbirds. With photos taken in Ecuador, Costa Rica, Trinidad, Cuba and Brazil. Members £1 Guest £2, under 18s enter free. Contact: www.rspb.org.uk/groups/bedford

music

13

comedy These top acts will get everyone laughing!

Castle Comedy is back in 2022 with more great shows to get everyone laughing!

Saturday February 5, The Weatherley Centre, Biggleswade The Big February Show at the Weatherley Centre will feature three headline quality acts and be the ultimate comedy night out!

Harrison’s going for it in 2022!

by Tony Hendrix

Happy New year I would love so much to say what an awesome year 2021 was, but sadly this was not the case, another year torn apart again by the pandemic.

However I take my hat off to Esquires and The Corn Exchange who despite last year’s challenges still managed to put on some fantastic artists and entertainment, whilst Mark H Iarrison from Bedford Park Concerts took risks to another level by pulling off shows in the Park with acts like Olly Murs, Craig David and Pete Tong to name a few he is an amazing promotor and certainly knows how to throw a party!

Well it looks like they have more in store for 2022.

Simply Red, have announced five huge live dates for summer 2022 one of which being Bedford Park on Thursday, July 28, when Mick Hucknall brings his unique brand of UK soul and pop into the heart of Bedford.

This special show in Bedford also features a very special guest appearance from UK soulful dance diva, Lisa Stansfield.

Simply Red is undoubtedly one of the UK’s biggest bands they have a huge catalogue of unforgettable hits, including ‘Something Got Me Started’, ‘Stars’, ‘Fairground’ and the US #1 hits, ‘Holding Back The Years’, and ‘If You Don’t Know Me

By Now’.

Few bands have enjoyed the success and longevity of Simply Red. With over 60 million albums sold worldwide, fiveUK number one hit albums and over a billion views on YouTube, Simply Red remain one of the UK’s most successful bands.

Mick Hucknall formed Simply

Bedford National Trust Association: 2.15pm, Tuesday

January 18, Addison Centre, Kempston. MK42 8PN. The speaker will be Ian Keable on “The Century of Deception - The Birth of the Hoax in Eighteenth - Century England”.

Hoaxes were written about extensively, and depicted by satirical artists such as Hogarth and Gillray.

They are imaginative, and the tricksters had varying motives. An entertaining talk. There will be a small admission fee. Everyone welcome. No need to book. Plenty of parking space. Contact: Betty Thomas on 01480 860 421Contact::

Bedford Local Group of The Wildlife Trust:

Wednesday January 12, 7-15pm for 7.30pm. ‘Bedfordshire’s Wild Life and Wild Places: 20 years into the new millennium. an illustrated talk

by Graham Bellamy. Priory Methodist Church Hall, Newnam Avenue, Bedford MK41 9QJ. www.wildlifebcn.org or Contact: 01234 266057. C

ontact:

Red in 1985 in Manchester and enjoyed immediate success with first single ‘Money’s Too Tight To Mention’.

Mick said: “I’ve spent most of my life going out and singing for people, and it has felt strange not to have that for such a long time. It’s wonderfully inspiriting that people can go and see bands again now, and I can’t wait to get back on stage.”

Apart from Simply Red another artist that rocked the house during this era non other than the soul diva herself Lisa Stansfield who will also take the stage as part of this huge live music event. After being introduced to Coldcut in 1989, her guest vocals helped ‘People Hold On’ storm the charts and led to a solo career which saw the Rochdale star conquer the world with her accessible soulful dance music.

The fun continues in the park just two days later Saturday, July 30, when the Legendary Paul Weller comes to The Park. Paul will be performing both new and old

material here’s a few to remember from his back catalogue ‘Wild Wood’, ‘Wake Up the Nation’ and ‘You Do Something To Me’.

Paul’s seventeenth solo album called ‘An Orchestrated Songbook’ was released last month. Recorded with award-winning arranger, Jules Buckley and the BBC Symphony Orchestra the album reimagines a selection of his vast catalogue. This follows 2021’s highly acclaimed number one album ‘Fat Pop’ which I’m sure I’m sure will be featured within his new catalogue Paul commented; “It’s brilliant to announce these UK summer shows for 2022 and to be able to play outdoors again after such a long time. Can’t wait.”

Simply Red, Lisa Stansfied and Paul Weller what an amazing line up and simply just too good to miss, two nights of packed live entertainment from some of the UKs finest artists performing for you in Bedford Park.

Tickets are available from www.lphconcerts.co.uk

Headlining the show is ANGELOS EPITHEMIOU. He is a comedy legend and award-winning burger van owner! He is the unwitting star of Shooting Stars (BBC2), Dave’s One Night Stand, The Rob Brydon Show and Channel 4’s The Angelos Epithemiou Show. You are in for a true comedy experience from one of the UK’s most brilliant alternative acts… think Little Britain meets Vic and Bob meets a smattering of Ivan Brackenbury and then lower your expectations and get on board.

‘Brilliantly executed anticomedy shtick’ Chortle

Opening the show is PAUL TONKINSON. He is a sensational live performer, Yorkshire man, marathon runner and former (double award-winning) Time Out Comedian of the Year. He has appeared on Michael Mcintyre’s Comedy Roadshow, Comedy Central’s The Comedy Store and The World Stands-up.

‘Hilarious. No one makes me laugh like Paul Tonkinson. Go see him’ Michael McIntyre Monday February 14, The Quarry Theatre, Bedford Castle Comedy is back at The Quarry Theatre on the most romantic day of the year. The show will feature star names, Roses chocolates and loads of laughs!

Headlining the show is LAURA LEXX. She is an award-winning comedian and writer. In 2019 she won the coveted Best Performer Award from the British Comedy Guide and became a viral sensation with her tweets about a fictional romance with Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp! She went on to write her first book, Klopp Actually: (Imaginary) Life with Football’s Most Sensible Heartthrob.

As a natural storyteller she can tease a grin from pretty much anyone! She has appeared on Live At The Apollo, Mock The Week, Hypothetical and Comedy Central’s Roast Battle.

“Rib-tickling...a tour-de-force” ★★★★ THE TELEGRAPH

Opening the show is SCOTT BENNETT. He is the star of the latest series of Live At The Apollo and destined to be a household name! In 2020 Scott was voted “Best Act” in the Comics Comic Awards, a prestigious award decided by comedians and promoters in the industry. He has supported Michael McIntyre and Rob Brydon on their UK tours.

Catch him here before he is selling out theatres and arenas on his own!

“Clearly has a big future, flashes of Peter Kay, Jason Manford and John Bishop” Bruce Dessau, Evening Standard All shows feature full support from top UK comedians and Paul Revill will host the shows!

Doors 7pm,shows start at 8pm.

Shows finish at 10.45pm To book your seat for a great night visit www.castlecomedy.co.uk

THE

QUEENS HEAD M I LT O N E R N E S T

Food served: Mon-Sat 12-2, 6-9 Sunday 12-4 See our Facebook page for upcoming events

HOTEL NOW OPEN Queens Head, Rushden Road, Milton Ernest MK44 1RU

Tel: 01234 822412

See our menu on Facebook

Mon-Sat Noon-11pm Sunday Noon-10.30pm

14

— JANUARY 2022

TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com

gardening

with Milton Ernest Garden Centre

J

January the start of work in the garden

by Maureen Catlin

ANUARY is the middle of our winter but it is actually the start of the gardening season.

It is often the coldest month of the year but we can still enjoy bright sunny days which inspire We Gardeners to start all over again.

As the days continue to lengthen nature wakes from its winter sleep and plants start to grow new buds and shoots and the bulbs begin to appear. The first Snowdrops and Aconites really do lift the spirits.

Enjoy the fresh air on dry sunny days while tidying and assessing where to start.

As long as there is no frost or snow on the soil a little energetic digging on the vegetable patch and applying homemade compost prepares the soil for planting in March and April. It’s a good time to mulch the asparagus bed and dig trenches for sowing Peas and Beans later. Fill the trenches with

w

rotted garden compost or farmyard manure.

Visit the Garden Centre now for the best selection of seed potatoes onions shallots and garlic.

Seed potatoes can then be spaced

in trays in a cool frost free light place to chit. Onions garlic and shallots are ready to plant at the end of February.

Chillies should also be planted now in a heated propagator or in

the airing cupboard, do remember to check for germination which can take a long time. Peas Broad Beans Asparagus and Sweet Peas can also be sown this month.

It is the right time of year to prune Apple and Pear trees but avoid this job if frost is threatened.

An open branch structure allows for good pollination reduces disease and allows sunlight to reach the fruit when ripening.

Remove damaged diseased or crossing branches establishing a framework of four to five main branches. Shorten last year’s growth on the main stems to one third to an outward facing bud leaving some side shoots to produce fruiting buds next year.

Secure grease bands to control migrating insects.

Prune established fruit bushes by removing old fruiting stems and leaving an open branch structure for Gooseberries, Red and Black currants and Blue and Hybrid berries. Autumn fruiting raspber-

IT’S TIME TO START PLANTING 4 bags 50L Multi-purpose compost £20 £6 each – Also available from our on line store

www.miltonernestgardencentre.co.uk

MILT ON ERNEST GARDEN CENTRE Tel: 01234 823033

Radwell Road (just off the A6) Milton Ernest MK44 1SH

O

winter months. Do not prune Plums Cherries Peaches or Nectarines at this time of year. It encourages a whole range of fungus problems.

Pruning Wisteria now by reducing summer side shoots to two or three buds produces lots more flowers and maintains the shape of the plant. Cutting Honeysuckle back really hard removes the often overgrown tangled mass and encourages strong healthy new growth.

Hellebores, Christmas Roses, are really coming into flower and will remain so for several months.

It is worth removing some of the foliage, especially if marked or damaged, to expose the beautiful flowers. There are now so many glorious varieties to choose every garden benefits from growing this plant for its subtle winter colour. It is quite one of my favourites.

If you did not lift corms bulbs or tubers like Dahlias, Canna and Calla Lilies and Agapanthus cover with a thick layer of mulch to protect from frost damage.

This is also the worst month for our garden birds. If we look after them now they will repay us in the warmer months by eating a lot of our garden pests. They have already taken most of the late bugs seeds and berries so it’s time to daily supplement their food and supply water.

Fat snacks are a great source of energy and should be hung in feeders free from plastic netting that can entangle the feet of smaller birds. Sunflower seed hearts are another great favourite as well as peanuts. Hanging feeders where the activity can be constantly watched from my kitchen window is for me a great joy.

This month is also a great time to visit the Garden Centre to see what other plants you could grow to add colour and interest at this time of year.

BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN

ries should be cut back to ground level while removing last year’s fruiting stems from summer fruiting varieties and tying new canes to the support structure. Put a thick layer of garden mulch around the base of raspberry canes.

A forcing pot covering a clump of Rhubarb will give you luscious sweet stems in March.

Cover Nectarine and Peach trees to stop the rain causing Peach Leaf Curl disease which will severely reduce your crop and looks very unsightly. Pot grown trees should be moved to the protection of a building for the

JANUARY 2022 —

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15

sport

Six wins out of six played in October KEMPSTON Rovers Reserves were presented by Matthew Vine – Youth development Officer with the ‘Team of the Month’ award for the The team are looking to build on previous success, having month of October recently after an impressive run of six wins out of six throughout the month, won the League Cup last October in a 4-2 win over Harborough Town. accumulating 35 goals in that spell.

The reserves are managed by Roger Martindale who progressed his team through the youth system, then going on to compete in the South Midlands league before shifting to the United Counties League.

Along with Harborough, Bugbrooke St Michaels and Wellingborough Town are also in the mix to win the title this year, with all four in contention at the half way mark.

The reserves have a good philosophy of progressing players

from the Colts and Academy teams into the squad, with 19 players this season having played within the youth set up previously.

There are also a number of senior players who are coming back from injury or need some minutes who also feature for the team, Martindale closely liaising with first team manager Scott Dash on a weekly basis.

Matches are only priced at £2 for adults and £1 for children for reserve matches, with fixtures either on Saturday afternoons or Wednesday evenings.

Captain Perry Ronayne being presented with the 'Team of the Month' award prior to their 2-2 draw with Harborough Town in November.

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